For hundreds of years, Ormskirk market has survived local politics, two world wars and the ravages of the internet.

But there are genuine fears for its future after what one QLocal reader - who spoke to a number of traders yesterday - claims is a 'stupid decision' by the borough council to radically change the way it's run in the new year.

A stupid decision?

You decide...

Here's what IA discovered yesterday after chatting to market traders: 'Spoke to a few of the stallholders in the market today.

'New market regulations will mean they have to pay for a space, even if they are unable to attend because of bad weather or illness.

'There will be restrictions on stall sizes. Stalls will no longer be provided. Longer hours for set up.

'One market trader (the bag guy outside Boots) said "It will be the death of the market."

'Another told me that they had attended a council meeting & were told to discuss the matter.

'There has been no opportunity for any feedback since then.

'A stupid decision.'

And here's the Borough Council's PR response: 'Ormskirk Market is one of the best street markets in the North West, if not the best.

West Lancashire Borough Council has given a great deal of thought to how it can improve the market to maintain that position and make it sustainable for the future.

It is normal practice these days for market traders to set up their own stalls in many markets across the UK, and many existing businesses on the market have their own stalls which they will set up in other markets they attend.

The decision to allow market traders to set up their own stalls was part of a package of measures agreed with the existing traders which will help support the market into the future by reducing costs to traders and the Council. These should help sustain the market by maintaining our existing market trader base at the same time as offering a package which should help attract new traders and the proposals are being introduced with the support of the existing market traders, who see the wider benefits concerned.

The Council is also currently consulting the public on a scheme for Moor Street in which street furniture will be re-configured to allow more room for market stalls.'

out of intrest how did the stalls get set up 100s of years ago ?
did the council set it up then or not ?

Now let me think, where is it that the stalls are stored - oh yes, at the side of the baths - which they now want to knock down after they have built a HUB!! which will take a large chunk of green space from us.

I am fast losing confidence in this town and the people who run roughshod over the traders and the community. Consultation and consideration should go hand in hand. Those poor market traders would have to, not only carry all their items but their means of displaying them - I cant think that is fair, not one bit. It will be the end of the market as we know it, mark my words.

How can anyone claim that this market is any good whatsoever ! All it sells is tat ! This market needs a complete overhaul with stalls and traders . You have traders that are competing with established retailers, so are offering nothing different yet these traders are not paying the very high rates that the council charge I presume. A butchers van parked in front of 2 butchers shops. A fruit shop closed down because of the fruit stall in front of him. Stalls selling £1 cds and books (like we need any more charity style stores) a burger van parked directly outside a cafe. . People want something different ! The high street is failing and yet these market traders offer socks, underwear and lighters. It will not last another year.

Has there ever been a more inept Bunch of so called Councillors since WLBCs inception. Just look at its record and the response by the public to the so called long term plans and the effect on the local community. You would be excused if you where of the understanding that WLBC was elected to promote the requirements of Edge Hill and if the town has to be turned over to Edge Hills requirements so be it! The most worrying part of this is they actually believe they have the ability to run the Country! God help us!

Originally Posted by StellatheStaffy

How can anyone claim that this market is any good whatsoever ! All it sells is tat !

The cheese stall sell cheese that can be found in Harrod's food hall. (Dewlay - Strong, creamy & crumbly)

Originally Posted by StellatheStaffy

All it sells is tat !

B*****ks. See previous comment.

Originally Posted by StellatheStaffy

A fruit shop closed down because of the fruit stall in front of him.

Nonsense. The stall outside the Barn Owl fruit & veg was set up by the lovely bloke that owned Barn Owl himself! Get yer facts right. Same lovely staff in both the shop and the market stall. A young bloke tried his best to take it over but unfortunately didn't survive long.

Originally Posted by StellatheStaffy

A butchers van parked in front of 2 butchers shops.

Anybody opening a shop in Ormskirk should know there's market there. Even the guy that opened one of those shops as a butchers over a hundred years ago.

Originally Posted by StellatheStaffy

Stalls selling £1 cds and books (like we need any more charity style stores)

The guy makes a few bob there. It's not my musical cup of tea, but there's always someone flicking through 'em.

Originally Posted by StellatheStaffy

a burger van parked directly outside a cafe. . People want something different !

People want something different. You're quite right. I get a fast food bacon barm from the butty van, as I have for years. My partner gets herself a fancy coffee thing from the cafe. In the real sense of the word, it's a market. Businesses compete.

Originally Posted by StellatheStaffy

socks, underwear and lighters.

Complete B*****ks.

Originally Posted by StellatheStaffy

It will not last another year.

Hopefully, as factually inaccurate as the facts in your post.